On March 2, 1960, Ellington started what was to become a twelwe week engagement at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, where the orchestra performed in the Starlight Lounge. Juan Tizol and Milt Grayson joined the band just before the engagement started.
When it ended, Ellington went into a studio in Los Angeles on May 26 to record music for The Nutcracker Suite – Overture, Entr’acte=Overture and Arabesque Cookie.
The next day, the Ellington band performed in a concert at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
Cal Tjader and His Quintet was also part of the program.
The other day, I came across a tape with the Ellington part of the concert. Here is the ending of the concert. The full part might be published as a “goodie” some time in the future.
Author: Ulf Lundin